Ann Romney Defends 47 Percent Comments By Her Husband

Ann Romney leaped to husband Mitt Romney's defense Tuesday, telling a Fox News affiliate that the Republican presidential nominee's controversial 47 percent comments were taken out of context and were "absolutely not" an expression of disdain for the poor.

"I've been on, obviously, on the trail a long time with Mitt," Ann Romney said in an interview with FOX31 Denver. "And if you listen to the whole context of what Mitt talks about, he is talking about what's happening right now in America and how more and more people are falling into poverty."

"He wants to make sure to bring better opportunities for everyone," she continued. "I know the guy, I know him really well, I know he cares. That's why he's running. It's unfortunate when something gets misinterpreted like this, when it gets taken out of context."

The outcry was sparked this week by a video, filmed at a private fundraiser in May, that showed Mitt Romney stating that 47 percent of Americans back President Barack Obama because they are "dependent on government" and "believe that they are victims." He added that they also "believe that they are entitled to health care, to food, to housing, to you-name-it."

Despite Ann Romney's claim that her husband's remarks have been taken out of context, he has stood by his comments on multiple occasions. The GOP nominee acknowledged in a press conference Monday night that his words were "not elegantly stated," but defended his larger point that 47 percent of Americans are dependent on government. He continued to argue that point in an interview with Fox News' Neil Cavuto on Tuesday and said that he was "of course talking about a campaign" and about how Obama is "going to get half the vote."

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Scott Brown

"That's not the way I view the world. As someone who grew up in tough circumstances, I know that being on public assistance is not a spot that anyone wants to be in. Too many people today who want to work are being forced into public assistance for lack of jobs," Scott said in an email to The Hill.